Comparison BASEUS Super Mini Inflation Pump vs Vitol K-52

The type of built-in pressure gauge incorporated into the pump/compressor design. Modern pressure gauges differ mainly in the type of scale on which readings are displayed:

— Analogue. A classic pressure gauge equipped with an analogue scale — a round “dial” with an arrow. Such devices are extremely simple and inexpensive, moreover, they are completely autonomous, do not require a power source and can be used in hand and foot devices. However, they are noticeably inferior to digital ones in accuracy: the scale is capable of displaying readings at best with an accuracy of a tenth of an atmosphere, (sometimes up to two tenths or even more), besides, the arrow tends to vibrate when pumped, which makes it difficult to determine the readings. On the other hand, such accuracy in fact is often quite enough, so analogue pressure gauges have been and remain the most popular option.

— Digital. Pressure gauges equipped with an electronic display that shows pressure data. Such devices have high measurement accuracy — often up to hundredths of an atmosphere (or equivalent in other units), besides, they can provide various additional features — for example, hitchhiking (see below) or switching between measurement in atmospheres and and in pounds per inch2. At the same time, digital pressure gauges are much more expensive than analogue ones, the mentioned accuracy is rarely required in fact, and the...electronics require a power source, which makes it difficult to use in non-electric pumps (batteries would be required, and they have a limited operating time). As a result, this variant has not received much distribution.

— Is absent. There are quite a few pumps and compressors that do not have a pressure gauge at all. On the one hand, this does not allow you to monitor the pressure during the inflation process: you have to control the condition of the tyre “by eye”, and to measure the pressure, disconnect the unit and use a separate pressure gauge. On the other hand, such models turn out to be more compact and inexpensive than similar solutions with pressure gauges, and the described pumping procedure, although associated with unnecessary hassle, is generally not particularly complicated and does not present any particular difficulties even for inexperienced drivers.

The maximum pressure provided by the pump or compressor — in other words, the highest tyre pressure that can be achieved using this unit.

In most models, this figure is from 2.5 to 10 atm, and in mechanical pumps (manual and foot, see "Type") pressure of more than 10 atm is practically not found at all. This is due to the fact that even for heavy trucks, the optimal tyre pressure is usually about 5 – 9 atm (depending on a number of parameters — there are special formulas and tables for calculations); and in passenger car tyres, a pressure of more than 2.5 atm is extremely rarely used. However, there are compressors with higher pressure parameters — 11 – 15 atm, 16 – 20 atm and even higher. The meaning of such characteristics is mainly in the "power reserve": a higher working pressure contributes to faster pumping. However, be careful not to over-inflate the tyre and damage it.

The capacity of the compressor (see "Type") is the maximum amount of air that it can pump into the tyre in a minute.

Higher performance reduces the time required to inflate the wheel; on the other hand, this parameter directly affects the dimensions, weight, power consumption and price of the compressor. So it is worth choosing according to performance, taking into account real needs. So, for a “duty” tyre inflation in a passenger car, a compressor with a low operating speed is quite enough — up to 20 L / min inclusive. And if the speed of full pumping is also important for you (for example, after replacing the rubber) — you can choose a unit for 21 – 40 L / min. In turn, models with more solid characteristics — 41 – 60 L / min and more — are intended mainly for heavy equipment like SUVs, trucks, tractors, etc.

Separately, it should be noted that this parameter is NOT suitable for calculating the exact inflation time (even if the exact volume of air in the wheel is known). The fact is that the actual performance of the compressor is always lower than the claimed one: the figures in the characteristics are indicated for free air outlet, and when pumping the wheels, the pumping speed will inevitably be lower due to the resistance of the nipple.

The amount of current drawn by the compressor during operation. For most models intended for use with passenger cars, this indicator is at the level of 12-14 A. A small current consumption is preferable from the point of view of energy saving, but the performance of the device largely depends on this indicator (see "Performance").

Rated power consumed by the compressor during operation.

This parameter primarily affects the features of connecting the unit to the on-board network through the cigarette lighter socket. Such a socket has restrictions on load power, and these restrictions are different for different cars; and even in the same car, different connectors — the cigarette lighter itself and a separate socket of the same format — can differ in allowable power. However, most of these connectors can easily cope with units with a power of up to 100 – 120 W; but if you get a more powerful compressor, you should clarify the possibility of using it with a specific cigarette lighter (the easiest way to do this is according to the documentation for the car). If the device is planned to be powered through "crocodiles" or from a 230 V socket (see "Connection"), you can not pay much attention to the power consumption.

Also, more powerful compressors, usually, have a greater capacity and/or maximum pressure, but there is no strict relationship here.

The length of the hose through which air is pumped into the tyre. The larger it is, the more convenient the device is to use. But it is rare that the compressor is left far from the wheel, especially if a pressure gauge is placed on the device, which must be periodically checked. For domestic use in cars, a one and a half metre long hose is enough. Powerful and performant models can be equipped with a hose of 7 metres or more, but these are more solutions for commercial use in car services.

The presence of backlight pressure gauge in the design of the device.

This function requires a power supply, so it is found mainly in the corresponding type of device — compressors (see "Type"). Its purpose is generally obvious: thanks to the backlight, you can easily see the readings of the pressure gauge in low light conditions and even in complete darkness. Such an opportunity when working with a compressor is useful — and not only at dusk and at night, but even in the daytime: many garages, boxes and other places where you have to service a car are very sparingly lit, and even during the day the pressure gauge scale may not be visible without additional illumination.

The model is additionally equipped with a flashlight to illuminate the work area in the dark. A very useful feature, especially for small, portable compressors for cars — can help out if you need to pump up the wheel at night in the middle of the road. Depending on the modification, the lamp can support various modes of operation — constant light, flashing mode, SOS signal (see the description of each individual compressor model). The design may also differ — the flashlight can be built-in or removable.

Many pumps/compressors come in special cases or cases that make them easy to store and transport. Under the cover, usually, we mean a classic cloth bag, which pumps are often equipped with and which rather protects them from dirt, dust, etc. But compressors are often supplied in plastic cases, they are convenient, inexpensive, rust-resistant and equipped with a convenient carrying handle . Plastic is considered less durable, but it is quite enough to provide the necessary protection.